Nineteen top executives at the bankrupt firm will receive a total of as much as $1.8 million in bonuses. In filings with the bankruptcy court, Hostess said the payments were needed to keep the executives with the company as it shutters operations and sells its assets, the Associated Press noted.

It’s CEO Gregory Rayburn is currently earning $125,000 a month. The company expects its liquidation to take as long as a year.

Hostess said it is exploring the sale of various parts of the business and had already identified a large number of potential buyers for its iconic brands, which include Ding Dongs and Ho Hos. Bidding for the well-known brands is expected to be competitive and fetch significant prices.

The bakers union has requested that the bankruptcy court name an independent trustee to manage the company’s closure.